Clamp applying machine



March 31, 1942. E, PERKINS CLAMP APPLYING MAC H INE Filed May 6, 1940 3Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

ERNEST E. PERK|NS.

BY W,

E'. E. PERKINS CLAMP APPLYING MACHINE March 31, 1942.

Filed May 6, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 1942- 12. PERKINS 2,277,935

\ CLAMP APPLYIfIG MACHINE Filed May 6, 1940' s Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR.

' ERNEST E. PERKINS.

MQ wP ATTORNEYS I Patented Mar. 31, 194-2 C APPL Y IN G MACHINE ErnestE. Perkins, Menlo Park, Calif. Application May 6, 1940, Serial No.333,699

28 Claims. (401. 175376) The present invention relates to improvements min a clamp applying machine, and it consists of the combinations,constructions and arrangements hereinafter described and claimed. Theinvention has particular reference to a mechanical suspension ringer forplacing power,

light, communication, railroad signal cables and other suspendedstructures; although I do not Wish to be limited in this respect.

At the present time, it is a common practice l0 afterwards the power ortelephone cable is drawn through the clamps by the pull cable.

It is proposed in this invention to entirely eliminate such a travellingplatform or cable car, and to provide a mechanical machine that may bedrawn along the messenger wire and which will automatically engage therings or clamps around the messenger wire and around the pull cable.This elimination of the travelling platform or cable car will materiallyadd to the safety of the crew engaged in the erecting of the cables.

The pull cable maybe attached to a power or telephone cable, or to anyother suitable structure, and the latter drawn through the rings orclamps as the machine is advanced.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a clamp applyingmachine of the character described in which all parts thereof are;operated automatically as the machine is advanced by means of a pullcable or other source of power. The machine includes a magazine forholding a plurality of rings or clamps and the latter are released atpredetermined intervals for I propose to engage the hooks on themessenger wire and at the same time draw the cable to be suspendedthrough the loops of the clamps. Thus the entire operations of applyingthe clamps and placing the cable in final position are both accomplishedas the machine is advanced.

It is further proposed to utilize the movement of the machine along themessenger wire for operating all parts of the clamp applying machine.The machine is designed for clearing obstructions, such as, theconventional clamplike brackets that are used for supporting themessenger wire on the poles.

Another object is to provide a clamp applying machine that will permitthe cable, which is to be suspended, to be pulled forward independentlyof the machine. For instance, this may be desirable at a turn or otherpoint when additional slack or length of cable is desired.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the specification proceeds,and the novel features of the invention Will be particularly set forthin the claims hereunto annexed.

For a better understanding of my invention, reference should be had tothe accompanying drawings, forming part of this application, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my clamp applying machine with partsbroken away to disclose the interior mechanism;

Figure 2 a transverse sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Figure1;

Figure 3 another transverse sectional view along the line 33 of Figure1;

Figure 4 a side elevation of the clamp applying machine showing thelatter arranged in a position for clearing an obstruction;

Figure 5 a horizontal section taken along the line 55 of Figure 4;

engagement with the messenger wire and the cable to be suspended.

It is also proposed to provide a removable magazine in which the ringsor clamps are supported, and thus when one magazine has been emptied ofits clamps, a new one may be substituted therefor and the operationcontinued. The magazines can be filled at any time convenient and thusthe work may be speeded up.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means fortransferring the clamps from the magazine to their final positionsaround the messenger wire and the pull cable. The clamps that I employare standard and have hookshaped ends and an intermediate loopedportion.

Figure 6 a top plan view of one of the clamps which I use, illustratingthe clamp as having been moved upwardly into a position underneath themessenger wire, which corresponds to the position of the clamp at thetime it is released from the magazine;

Figure 7 a front elevation of Figure 6 showing the same clamp;

Figure 8 a vertical view taken along the line 8-8 of Figure 7, butshowing the clamp after it has swung into a position for engaging withthe cable to be supported by the clamp;

Figure .9 a View similar to Figure 8, with the clamp swung into afurther position and ready to have its free hook engaged by themessenger Wire.

While I have shown only the preferred form of my clamp applying machine,it should be clearly understood that various changes or modificationsmay be made within the scope of the appended claims without departingfrom the spirit of my invention.

Detailed description Referring now to the drawings in detail, whereinlike reference letters and numerals designate corresponding parts in theseveral views, I have shown a suspension or messenger wire A that issecured to the poles at intervals. One of the poles is indicated at B inFigure 4, and a clamp-like member C is fixed to the pole by means of abolt D. Bolts D are utilized to secure the two parts of the clamp-likemember together in clamping relation upon the messenger wire. The memberC is commonly used at the present time and needs no further description,except it should be mentioned that the clamplike member C spaces thewire or messenger A a short distance from the pole.

A clamp applying machine indicated generally at E is adapted to placerings or clamps F at regular intervals along the messenger wire as shownin Figures 1 and 2. As these clamps are secured to the messenger wirewhen the machine E is advanced, a telephone, power or like cable G isdrawn through the clamps in the manner hereinafter described. The cableG will therefore be suspended beneath the messenger wire A by the clampsF. The latter are sometimes referred to in the art as rings. Aspreviously mentioned, I do not wish to be limited in regard to thestructure to be supported by the clamps F.

The machine E includes a carriage I having V-shaped guide rollers IIrotatably mounted thereon. These rollers are adapted to ride on the topof the messenger wire as clearly shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, and thegrooves in the rollers are sufficiently deep to prevent the carriagefrom jumping the messenger wire.

A slide I2 is guided for vertical movement in the carriage III and hasrollers I3 rotatably carried thereby, which are designed for riding onthe lower side of the messenger wire A when the slide I2 is held inraised position as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The messenger wire thuspasses between the rollers II and I3. It may be pointed out that therollers I3 are rotated as the machine is drawn along the messenger wiredue to contact with the latter. The rollers I3 determine the spacing ofthe clamps F along the messenger wire and the entire mechanism of themachine E is operated by the rollers I3, as will appear later in thespecification.

A pull cable I4 passes lengthwise through the machine and its forwardend is adapted to be pulled by any suitable means, such as a truck,winch or the like. I have disclosed a cable I5 that may lead from thepull cable I4 to such a source of power. The trailing end of the pullcable I I is provided with the usual basket I6, which may be telescopedover the end of the power cable or the like G. The basket includes asection made of woven wires I6 that clamp down upon the cable G when thepull cable I4 is drawn taut.

The central portion of the pull cable is provided with two spaced lugsor enlargements II, which are disposed on the opposite sides of thejaw-like parts I8 when the slide I2 is in raised position as illustratedin Figure 1. However, the slide may be lowered, as indicated in Figure 4and the jaw-like parts I8 are thereupon freed from the cable I4. Thiswill allow the latter to be pulled forwardly independently of themachine E for such purposes as obtaining additional lengths of the cableG at turns in the line being erected, or at other points.

It will be noted from the transverse sectional view shown in Figure 2that one side of the machine is partially left open so as to allow themachine to be moved laterally against the messenger wire and the rollersII engaged over the latter. The lower part of this open side (righthandpart of Figure 2) has a plate I9 fixed to the carriage II] by bolts 20or the like (see Figure l) The slide I2 has the jaw-like part III fixedthereto and the part I8 is guided in a vertical guideway 2I as will beseen by reference to Figure 2. In order to facilitate passageway of thecarriage along the messenger wire when moving through branches of treesor the like, I provide a pointed nose 22 on the forward portion of thecarriage (see Figures 1 and 4) The clamps F are substantially U-shapedin plan view and include legs 23 and 24, which have hook-shaped ends 23aand 24a, respectively. The legs are interconnected by a looped portion25 forming part of the clamp. The clamps are made from spring materialand it will be noted that the hooks 23a and 24a face in oppositedirections. Figure 7, which illustrated a side elevation of one of theclamps, indicates the hook 24a as extending upwardly from the leg 2 Atthe same time, the hook 24a curls toward the looped portion of theclamp.

A magazine H is designed to hold a plurality of clamps F and I do notwish to be limited as to the number of clamps to be held in themagazine, since with different requirements the number will vary. Theslide I2 has a rearwardlyextending section 26 to which the magazine isremovably secured by any suitable means.

The magazine H includes a guide shield 21, which is substantiallyU-shaped in horizontal section (see Figure 5). The clamps are stackedone above the other in the magazine, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. Withinthe guide shield 21 is mounted a U-shaped clamp guide member 28(Figure 1) having vertically-extending legs 28a and 2317 (see Figure 5)The clamps F are threaded over the leg 28a and the hooks 24a encirclethis leg. The leg 24 of each clamp F passes out through the spacedefined between the leg 28b of the clamp guide member and the adjacentedge 29 of the shield 21. The clamps F, therefore, have their legs 23and looped portions 25 extending clear of the magazine H, as shown inFigure 5.

A follower 30 is positioned within the shield 21 beneath the lowermostclamp F and is guided for vertical movement on the vertical legs 28a and28b. A clamp advance mechanism I has a drum 3| or spool, which is urgedin a counterclockwise direction in Figures 1 and 4 by means of a spiralspring 32 (see Figure 1). A cord 33 extends from the spool 3|, one endof the cord being fixed to the spool, while the free end of the cord isadapted to be fastened in a slot or the like 34 formed in the follower30. An operating wire 35 is fastened to the lower end of the cord 33 andextends below the shield 21.

The wire 35 may be pulled downwardly and the cord engaged in the slot 34of the follower. The clamps F are, therefore, urged upwardly in themagazine H by the spring-actuated spool 3|.

The clamps F are horizontally disposed in the magazine and as they moveupwardly the clamps clear the pull cable I4, since the latter isdisposed to one side of the messenger wire A and the magazine H (seeFigure I The clamps F are advanced towardthe messenger wire A so as topresent the hooks 24a thereof in a position just below the messengerwire with the hook 24a of the uppermost clamp extending above themessenger wire; that is, as shown in Figure 7. It will be rememberedthat the carriage I0 is moving along the messenger wire (toward the leftin Figures 1 and 4). When the uppermost clamp is released from themagazine H by the means hereinafter set forth in detail, the hook 24a,which is bearing against the more or less rough surface of the messengerwire A,

will cause the clamp to raise its looped portion 25 as indicated by thearrow 36 (Figure 7) and at the same time the clamp is urged to swing ina general clockwise direction (Figure 6).

During this swinging of the clamp, the looped portion moves outwardly asindicated by the arrow 31 (Figure 6) and the hook 23a moves downwardlyas indicated by the arrow 38 (Figure 6) and the arrow 39 (Figure 7). Thehook 240, in reality serves as a fulcrum on which the clamp swings, andthe hook 240. wraps itself around the messenger wire A.

Figure 8 shows the clamp F with its hook 24a engaging around themessenger wire and the hook 23a passing beneath the pull cable I4. Theclamp in this view has been swung into a vertical position and the hook230. is curved so as to cam I itself beneath the pull cable I4 with thelatter entering the space defined between the legs of the clamp.

The clamp will continue to swing in the direction of the arrow 40(Figure 8) by gravity and will finally be moved into the position shownin Figure 9, as will appear later in the specification.

In order to release the uppermost clamp F at the proper time, I utilizeone of the rollers I3 (see Figure 1). The right-hand roller I3 in thisview, which is driven by the messenger wire A due to drawing thecarriage along the messenger wire, has a pinion 4I fixed thereto. Thispinion meshes with and drives a gear 42, the latter having a pin 43projecting therefrom. A bar 44 is guided for horizontal sliding movementin the slide I2 and its extension 26.

The bar 44 carries a latch 45 that engages over the uppermost clamp F inthe magazine near the hook 24a. The bar 44 has an arm 45 formed integraltherewith. As the gear 42 is rotated, the pin 43 will strike the arm 46during each rotation of the gear 42 and will move the latch 45rearwardly (to the right in Figure 1) This will free the uppermost clampF for swinging through the cycle just described and into the positionshown in Figure 8 or just beyond, approaching the position shown inFigure 9. The bar 44 is urged to the left again in Figure 1 by a spring41 to engage the catch over the next clamp in the magazine.

In order to assist the freed clamp F to move in the path previously setforth, a kicker cam 48 (see Figures 1, 4 and 5) may be provided as anextension on the bar 44. This cam will strike against the looped portion25 of the clamp and force the latter in the direction of the arrow 31(Figure 6).

The rearwardly-extending section 26 of the slide I2 is provided with aclosing cam, which is indicated generally at J in Figures 1, 3 and 4.

It will be noted from the rear elevation of the 'trated in Figure l.

cam, as shown in Figure 3, that the cam is somewhat tubular with acut-away portion 48 extending lengthwise of the cam.

As the uppermost clamp F is freed from the magazine H in themannerpreviously set forth and swings into the position disclosed inFigure 8, the clamp drops through an enlarged portion 480. of thecut-away portion 48' (see Figures 1 and 4). The rear of the closing camembraces the loop 25 of the clamp F in the manner shown in Figure 3 soas to firmly hold the clamp in place for the step of forcing the hook231'; beneath and around the messenger wire A.

The right-hand part 49 of the closing cam rises in a gentle curve fromthe enlarged cut-away portion 48a (see Figures 1 and 4). This righthandpart 49 is designated with reference to Figure 3, and the same viewshows the left-hand part 50 as having a cam edge 5I This cam edge bearsagainst the leg 23 of the clamp F and the cam edge is designed togradually force the hook 23a from the position shown in Figure 9 in thedirection of the arrow 5I'. The cam edge increases its pressure on theleg 23 of the clamp until the hook 230. is passed to the right-hand sideof the messenger wire A (Figure 3), whereupon the trailing edge 52 ofthe closing cam clears the leg 23 and the hook 23a then snaps over themessenger wire A.

Particular attention is called to the fact that the legs 23 and 24 areoffset in opposite directions with respect to the looped portion 25 (seeFigures. 1, 4 and '7). Therefore, as the cam edge 5I increases itspressure in the direction of the arrow 5|, the hook 24a will tighten itsgrip on the messenger wire A. This will positively hold the clamp F fromslipping along the messenger wire A. It is also pointed out that thesurface of the wire A is rough, due to the spiral winding of its wires.This will further insure the firm grip of the hook 24a on the messengerwire during the engagement of the hook 23a under, around and over themessenger wire.

In order to raise the slide I2 into proper position for its rollers I3to engage with the underneath surface of the messenger wire, I provide aslide-elevating mechanism indicated generally at K in Figures 1 and 4.This mechanism consists of a link 53 having one end thereof secured to atransverse shaft 54 and a roller 55 is rotatably mounted at the otherend of the link. A double lever 56 isalso fixed to theshaft 54. Theroller 55 is designed to bear against the underneath surface 51 as theroller is swung in a clockwise direction in Figure 4. This will elevatethe slide I2 relative to the carriage II) and will bring the rollers I3into engagement with the messenger wire A.

Any suitable means may be employed for swinging the double lever, andfor this purpose I have shown a pair of cables 58 and 59. When the slideI2 is in its lowermost position (Figure 4), the cable 58 may be pulledand this will cause the roller 55 to raise the slide into the positionillus- The roller 55 may enter a slight recess 51a (see Figure ,1) inorder to hold the roller 55 in raised position. Upon pulling downwardlyon the cable 59, the roller 55 is freed from the recess 51a and the link53 is moved in a counterclockwise direction. The slide I2 will thengravitate into its lower position as shown in Figure 4.

The carriage III is provided with an opening 60 therein, which may beengaged by a hook 6| attached to a lifting cable 62 (see Figure 4). The

lifting cable may be used for hoisting the entire clamp applying machineE into proper position relative to the messenger wire A, and the samecable canbe utilized for lowering the machine to the ground again.

In the event that it is desired to apply the clamps F to the messengerwire A without pulling the power or like cable G through the clamps asthe machine is advanced, the secondary pull cable I5a may be used. Thelatter cable is attached to the slide I2 as at 63. In this case, thepull cable I4 is not used and if it remains in the machine, the basketI6 is disengaged from the power or like cableG. The rollers II areoffset relative to the rollers I3 (Figures 1 and 4) This will permit thesize of the messenger wire A to be varied and the rollers I3 will stillbe driven.

Brief operation Having thus described the various parts of my clampapplying machine, the operation thereof may be readily understood. Themessenger Wire A is first strung in place along the poles B and themachine E is then hoisted so as to permit the operator to apply thecarriage rollers I I over the top of the messenger wire. The cable 58 ispulled,

which will result in raising the slide I2 until its rollers I3 engagewith the messenger wire. The magazine H, which has been previouslyloaded with clamps F is raised with the machine. The

As the clamp applying machine is pulled along the messenger wire, clampsF are periodically released by the catch 45. The freed clamps swingthrough the successive positions shown in Figures 6, 8 and 9. Theclosing cam J engages the clamps F over the messenger wire in the mannershown in Figure 3. As each clamp F is freed from the magazine H, thenext clamp in the magazine is advanced by the clamp-advancing mechanismI.

When the machine is to clear an obstruction, such as a pole clamp C(Figure 4), the slide I2 is lowered by pulling on the cable 59. Afterthe obstruction has been cleared, the slide I2 is again raised and theoperation of applying clamps is continued.

As previously stated, the clamps F may be applied without pulling thepower or like cable G through the looped portions of the clamps. Theclamp releasing mechanism is operated by the rollers I3 being rotated asthe machine is advanced along the messenger wire A, and thus the spacingof the clamps F is automatically determined and the clamps are dispensedat the proper time.

Although I have described my invention in detail in applying clamps to amessenger wire and around a power or like cable, it should be made clearthat any suitable suspension means may be used in place of a messengerwire and power, light, communication, railroad signal cables or othersuspended structures can be supported by the clamps F.

I claim:

1. A clamp applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension wire or the wire, means for discharging the clamps one at a.30 pull cable I4 is actuated to advance the entire time from themagazine at intervals along the suspension wire, and means for applyingthe freed clamps to the suspension wire as they are released.

2. A clamp applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension wire or the like, means for supporting a loop-shaped clampadjacent to the suspension wire, the clamp having hook-shaped ends withthe hooks facing in opposite directions, the supporting means being madeto present the hook at one end of the clamp in a position'to engagearound the suspension wire from one side of the latter when the clamp isreleased, means for releasing the clamp, and means for engaging the hookat the other end of the clamp over the opposite side of the Suspensionwire from that of the first-engaged hook.

3. A clamp applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension wire or the like, means for supporting a plurality of clampsfor advance toward the suspension wire, each clamp having hook-shapedends with the hooks facing in opposite directions, the supporting meansbeing made to present the hook at one end of each clamp in a position toengage around the suspension wire from one side of the latter when theclamp is advanced to the suspension wire and released, means foradvancing the clamps toward the suspension wire for release, means forreleasing the clamps one at a time, and means for engaging the hook atthe other end of each clamp over the opposite side of the suspensionwire from that of the first-engaged hook after each clamp is released.

4. A clamp applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension wire or the like, means for supporting a plurality of clampsfor advance toward the suspension wire, each clamp having hook-shapedends with the hooks facing in opposite directions, the supporting meansbeing made to present the hook at one end of each clamp in a position toengage around the suspension wire from one side of the latter when theclamp is advanced to the suspension wire and released, means foradvancing the clamps toward the suspension wire for release, means forreleasing the clamps one at a time at intervals along the suspensionwire at substantially equal distances apart during advance of thecarriage, and means for engaging the other end of each clamp over theopposite side of the suspension wire from that of the first-engaged hookafter each clamp is released.

5. A clamp applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension wire or the like, means for supporting a plurality of clampshorizontally in stacked relation one above the other for advance towardthe suspension wire, means operable by the movement'of the carriagealong the suspension wire for releasing the clamps one at a time forengagement with the suspension wire, and means for securing the ends ofthe clamps to said wire with the clamps arranged in a vertical positionon the suspension wire and with a portion of each clamp extending freeof the suspension wire to constitute a support for a cable or the like.

6. A clamp applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension Wire or the like, a slide mounted in the carriage formovement toward and away from the suspension wire, rollers carried bythe slide and being engageable with the suspension wire for rotation bythe latter when the carriage is advanced along the suspension wire,means for moving the slide toward and away from the suspension wire, amagazine attached to the slide for holding a plurality of clamps, meansoperable by one of the slide rollers for periodically releasing a clampfrom the magazine as the carriage is advanced, and means for engagingthe ends of the clamps over the suspension wire when the clamps arereleased.

7. A clamp applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension wire or the like, a slide mounted in the carriage formovement toward and away from the suspension wire, rollers carried bythe slide and being engageable with the suspension wire for rotation bythe latter when the carriage is advanced along the suspension wire,means for moving the slide toward and away from the suspension wire, amagazine attached to the slide for holding a plurality of clamps, meansfor periodically releasing a clamp from the magazine as the carriag isadvanced, means for engaging the ends of the clamps over the suspensionwire when the clamps are released, and a pull cable removably attachedto the slide for pulling a power cable or the like through th clamps asthe carriage is advanced, the slide being made to disengage itself fromthe pull cable when moved into a retracted predetermined positionrelative to the carriage.

8. In a clamp applying machine, a magazine for holding a plurality ofloop-shaped clamps in stacked relation, each clamp having hook-shapedends, the magazine comprising a U-shaped guide member having one leg ofthe U passing through the hooks disposed at one end of the clamps, theother leg of the U bearing against the clamps adjacent to those hookswhich are confined on the first-named leg of the U, and a shieldextending partially around the hooks of the clamps that are confined onthe guide member.

9. In a clamp applying machine, a magazine for holding a plurality ofloop-shaped clamps in stacked relation, each clamp having hook-shapedends, the magazine comprising a U-shaped guide member having one leg ofthe U passing through the hooks disposed at one end of the clamps, theother leg of the U bearing against the clamps adjacent to those hookswhich are confined on the first-named leg of the U, a shield extendingpartially around the hooks of the clamps that are confined on the guidemember, and a yielding follower within the shield riding on the guidemember for urging th clamps toward an end of the magazine.

10. In a clamp applying machine, a magazine for holding a plurality ofclamps in stacked relation, the clamps being loop-shaped andeach havinghook-shaped ends, the magazine comprising a guide member having tworods, one of the rods passing through the hooks disposed at one end ofth clamps, the other rod bearing against the clamps adjacent to thosehooks which are confined on the first-named rod, and a shield extendingaround the hooks of the clamps that are confined by the two rods, theother ends of the clamps extending free of the shield.

11. In a clamp applying machine, a carriage movable along a suspensionwire or the like, a magazine on the carriage for holding a plurality ofloop-shaped clamps in stacked relation, the clamps having hook-shapedends, the magazine including means for guiding the clamps toward asuspension wire or the like for presenting one hook of each clamp in aposition for engaging around th suspension wire, means for moving thesaid clamps to the suspension wirefor release,

means for releasing the clamps one at a time from the magazine, and aclosing cam positioned for engaging the other hook of each clamp overthe suspension wire upon release.

12. In a clamp applying machine, a magazine for holding a plurality ofloop-shaped clamps in stacked relation, the clamps having hook-shapedends, the magazine including means for guiding the clamps toward asuspension wire or the like for presenting one hook of each clamp in aposition for engaging around the suspension wire, means for moving thesaid clamps to the suspension wire for release, means for releasing theclamps one at a time from the magazine, and a closing cam positioned forengaging the other hook of each clamp over the suspension wire uponrelease, the closing cam including a portionv for firmly embracing thelooped portion of each clamp during engagement of the second hook overthe suspension wire.

13. In a clamp applying machine, a magazine for holding a plurality ofloop-shaped clamps in stacked relation with the clamps arranged inhorizontal position, means for mounting the magazine to deliver theclamps to a suspension wire or the like, the clamps having hook-shapedends and the delivering means being made to present one hook of eachclamp in a position for engagement around the suspension wire, means formoving th clamps to the suspension wire, means for releasing the clampsone at a time from the magazine, and a closing cam having a cut-awaypart for allowing the released clamp to swing from its horizontalposition into a vertical position with one end of the released clampstill engaging around the suspension wire, the closing cam having a camedge for forcing the other hook of the released clamp around thesuspension wire.

14. A clamp applying machine comprising a vertically-arranged carriaghaving an open side whereby the carriage may be introduced sidewise overa suspension wire or the like, carriage rollers within the carriage forriding on the top of the suspension wire, a slide mounted on thecarriage and having rollers to engage and ride on the underneath side ofthe suspension wire, means for securing the slide against beingretractedrelative to the carriage and for holding the slide and carriage rollersin engagement with the suspension wire, a magazine for holding aplurality of loop-shaped clamps, means operable by the movement of thecarriage along the suspension wire for periodically releasing clamps oneat a time from the magazine, and means for engaging the ends of theclamps over the suspension wire.

15. A clamp applying machine comprising a magazine for holding aplurality of loop-shaped clamps, each clamp having hook-shaped endsfacing in opposite directions, means for periodically releasing clampsone at a time from the magazine as the latter is moved along asuspension wire or the like, and means for squeezing the ends of theclamps to cause their hooks to pass each other for engagement of thehooks over the suspension wire from opposite sides of the latter and forthereupon releasing the clamp for engagement of the hooks on the wire.

16. A clamp applying machine comprising a vertically-arranged carriagemovable along a suspension wire or the like, the carriage having an openside and a retractable slide for allowing the carriage to move over apole clamp or the like when the slide is retracted, means operable fromthe ground beneath the suspension wire for moving the slide relative tothe carriage, and

means advanced with the carriage for applying clamps to the suspensionwire at spaced intervals along the suspension wire.

17. A clamp applying machine comprising a vertically-arranged carriagemovable along a suspension wire or the like, the carriage having an openside and a retractable slide for allowing the carriage to move over apole clamp or the like when the slide is retracted, means operable fromthe ground beneath the suspension wire for moving the slide relative tothe carriage, and means advanced with the carriage for applying clampsto the suspension wire at spaced intervals along the suspension wire,the clamp-applying means being carried by the slide and movabletherewith so as to also clear the pole clamp when the slide is retractedrelative to the suspension wire.

18. A clamp-applying machine comprising a vertically-arranged carriagemovable along a suspension wire or the like, the carriage having an openside and a retractable slide for allowing the carriage to move over apole clamp or the like when the slide is retracted, and means advancedwith the carriage for applying clamps to the suspension wire at spacedintervals along the suspension wire, the clamp-applying means beingcarried by the slide and movable therewith so as to also clear the poleclamp when the slide is retracted relative to the suspension wire.

19. A clamp-applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension wire or the like, a vertically-arranged magazine mounted onthe carriage and depending therefrom and adapted for holding a pluralityof clamps in stacked relation one above the other, means for moving theclamps toward the suspension wire, means for discharging the clamps oneat a time from the magazine at intervals along the suspension wire, andmeans extending beyond the trailing end of the carriage for applying thefreed clamps to the suspension wire as they are released, the carriageand the clamp-applying means being disposed on opposite sides of themagazine.

20. In a clamp applying machine, a magazine for holding a plurality ofclamps in stacked relation, the clamps being loop-shaped and each havinghook-shaped ends, the magazine comprising a guide member having tworods, one of the rods passing through the hooks disposed at one end ofthe clamps, the other rod bearing against the clamps adjacent to thosehooks which are confined on the first-named rod.

21. In a clamp applying machine, a carriage movable along a suspensionwire or the like, a magazine on the carriage for holding a plurality ofloop-shaped clamps in stacked relation, the clamps having hook-shapedends, the magazine including means for guiding the clamps toward asuspension wire or the like for presenting one hook of each clamp in aposition for engaging around the suspension wire, means for moving thesaid clamps to the suspension wire for release, means for releasing theclamps one at a time from the magazine, and a closing cam having aspiral face disposed to bear against the released clamp adjacent to theother hook for forcing the latter hook over the suspension wire.

22. In a clamp applying machine, a carriage movable along a suspensionwire or the like, a magazine on the carriage for holding a plurality ofloop-shaped clamps in stacked relation, the clamps having hook-shapedends, the magazine including means for guiding the clamps toward asuspension wire or the like for presenting one hook of each clamp in aposition for engaging around the suspension wire, means for moving thesaid clamps to the suspension wire for release, means for releasing theclamps one at a time from the magazine, and a closing cam having aspiral face disposed to bear against the released clamp adjacent to theother hook for forcing the latter hook over the suspension wire, themagazine being secured to the carriage for positive advance with thelatter without slippage therebetween as the carriage is moved along thesuspension wire.

23.In a clamp applying machine, a carriage movable along a suspensionwire or the like, a pull cable extending through the carriage, amagazine for holding a plurality of loop-shaped clamps in stackedrelation with the clamps arranged in horizontal position, means formounting the magazine to deliver the clamps to the suspension wire, theclamps having legs with hook-shaped ends and the delivering means beingmade to present one hook of each clamp in a position for engagementaround the suspension wire, means for moving the clamps to thesuspension wire, means for releasing the clamps one at a time from themazagine, each clamp as it is freed being swingable from its horizontalposition into a vertical position and being aided in this swingingmovement by the first-named hook bearing against the suspension wire asthe carriage and magazine are advanced, the pull cable being sopositioned relative to the suspension wire that one leg of each releasedclamp will pass around the pull cable during the swinging of the clampwith the pull cable passing into the loop of the clamp, and means forengaging the other hook of each released clamp around the suspensionwire.

24. In a clamp applying machine, a carriage movable along a suspensionwire or the like, a pull cable extending through the carriage, the pullcable being disposed below and to one side of the suspension wire, avertically-arranged magazine for holding a plurality of loop-shapedclamps in stacked relation with the clamps arranged in horizontalposition, means for mounting the magazine to deliver the clamps upwardlypast the pull cable, the clamps having legs with hook-shaped ends andthe delivering means being made to present one hook of each clamp in aposition for engagement around the suspension wire, means for moving theclamps to the suspension wire, means for releasing the clamps one at atime from the magazine, each clamp as it is freed being swingable fromits horizontal position into a vertical position and being aided in thisswinging movement by the first-named hook bearing against the suspensionwire as the carriage and magazine are advanced, the pull cable being sopositioned relative to the suspension wire that one leg of each releasedclamp will pass around the pull cable during the swinging of the clampwith the pull cable passing into the loop of the clamp, and means forengaging the other hook of each released clamp around the suspensionwire.

25. In a clamp applying machine, a carriage movable along a suspensionwire or the like, a magazine for holding a plurality of loop-shapedclamps in stacked relation with the clamps arranged in horizontalposition, means for mounting the magazine to deliver the clamps to thesuspension wire, the clamps having legs with hook-shaped ends and thedelivering means being made to present one hook of each clamp in aposition for engagement around the suspension wire, means for moving theclamps to the suspension wire, means for releasing the clamps one at atime from the magazine, each clamp as it is freed being swingable fromits horizontal position into a vertical position with the firstnamedhook still engaging around the suspension wire and being aided in thisswinging movement by the first-named hook bearing against the suspensionwire as the carriage and magazine are advanced, and means for engagingthe other hook of each released clamp around the suspension wire.

26. In a clamp applying means, a vertically arranged carriage movablealong a suspension wire or the like, the carriage having an open side topermit it being applied to the wire, a retractable slide normallycontacting with the underside of the wire, said slide being movable awayfrom the wire to permit the carriage to move over a pole clamp or thelike, and means carried by the slide for applying clamps to thesuspension wire at spaced intervals therealong, said means being broughtinto operative engagement with the wire when the slide contacts with thewire.

2'7. In a clamp applying machine, a carriage movable along a suspensionwire or the like, a

clamp containing magazine supporting clamps independent of the wire,means mounted on the carriage for removing loop-shaped clamps from themagazine and applying them to the suspension wire at spaced intervalstherealong, and a pull cable attached to the carriage and extending pastthe clamp magazine for drawing a power cable or the like through theloops of the clamps as the carriage is advanced, said clamp applyingmeans causing each clamp to pass around and enclose the pull cablewithout interfering therewith as the clamp is secured to the suspensionwire, whereby the clamps will be in a position to receive the powercable as it is drawn through the clamps by the pull cable.

28. A clamp applying machine comprising a carriage movable along asuspension wire or the like, means for supporting a plurality of clampsindependently of the wire, means operable by the movement of thecarriage along the suspension wire for feeding one clamp at a time tothe wire in spaced relation along the wire, and means for securing theends of the clamps to said wire with the clamps arranged in a verticalposition on the suspension wire and with a portion of each clampextending free of the suspension wire to constitute a support for acable or the like.

ERNEST E. PERICIINS.

